The Director of Litigation, Justice helpline foundation, Barr. Ayo Desmond Jonathan, a non governmental organization has threatened to drag the Nigerian Police to the United Nations over the inhuman treatment being meted by the Nigerian Police in constantly intimidating the Senator Representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Dino Melaye.
In a statement issued in Lokoja and signed by Barr. Ayo, the Justice Help line foundation equally reminded the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, that he would either in or out of office account for his deeds.
The Justice Help line foundation berated President Muhammadu Buhari for turning a deaf ear, and chooses to look the other way regarding the inhuman atrocities of the Nigerian police, pretends not to be aware of the harassment, intimidation of innocent citizens, as serious dangers posed to Nigeria democracy.
The Foundation lamented several cases involving the Nigerian Police in which citizens rights were infringed upon, with Mr President turning deaf ears.
According to Barr. Ayo, in a country where several members of the ruling APC were alleged to have been involved in corrupt practice, Mr President found it convenient to protect such persons, yet the police finds it convenient to harass, intimidate and infringe on peoples rights perceived to be in the opposition.
Barr. Ayo gave example of the Mrs Kemi Adeosun and Gov. Ganduje saga, amongst several other cases of corruption, in which Mr President allegedly provided cover for such persons, amidst the much talked about integrity and fight against corruption.
According to Bar. Ayo, the laying of siege at the house of Senator Dino Melaye, the disconnection of electricity and water supply to the Senator’s residence as well as constantly firing of teargas into the residence is the least level the police has gone, warned of the dear consequences if anything happens to the Senator.
The Justice helpline foundation is a Hunan Rights Organization, committed to providing pro bono legal services to the indigent, a whistle blower committed to exposing corruption cases, prison enhancement and decongestion, fight against child labour and drug abuse as well as illegal migration and carries out prison visitation.
Barr. Ayo said it is unfortunate for the police to have declared wanted and laid siege at the Senator’s residence when it was alleged that the men of the Civil Defense, officially assigned to protect the Senator, were said to have engaged the police and hoodlums who tried to shoot at the senator on that fateful day, on his way to commission some constituency projects.
He lamented the inaction of IGP Ibrahim Idris, berating the police for displaying partisanship rather than professionalism.
The NGO cautioned the police asking it to be more civil in its approach and warned that it would not hesitate to drag the police to the UN if any harm befalls the senator by reasons of their action or inaction at trying to get at the senator using unprofessional manner.
“Having followed the activities of the Nigerian Police, and with the unfolding event, we have every reason to be concerned about the real motive behind the new attempt to arrest Senator Dino Melaye considering the spate of strange and unresolved deaths of persons in police custody in recent past.
“We Justice Help line foundation having assembled team of lawyers would approach the court seeking to restrain the police from attempt to always harass and intimidate Senator Melaye,” he said.
